An early intervention campaign to identify mental health issues in youth was launched in Richmond on Tuesday morning.
"On Your Mind" focuses on an early intervention approach to notice signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in young adults and children and to encourage them to reach out for help.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) announced the launch alongside Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside at Richmond Foundry.
From this October to March 2024, the campaign is founded on the access to mental health care being a "human right," according to Whiteside.
"When it comes to children and youth, we know that the sooner we intervene and support kids upstream, the better able we are to address problems before they grow into larger problems," said Whiteside, adding that many young people experienced "heightened anxiety and depression during the pandemic."
"This campaign plays an important role in connecting youth to the mental health resources they need early, while also removing barriers that can lead to young people suffering in silence instead of reaching out for help."
One of the challenges the health authority is working on addressing is the stigma around mental health, she added.
"People don't always feel comfortable coming forward to talk about what they may be experiencing or challenges they may have and so the more we can normalize and make it okay and provide pathways for people, and particularly youth, to come forward is really important."
Links to resources for youth, parents and caregivers can be found at www.vch.ca/onyourmind.
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